Yield and quality characteristics of durum wheat genotypes under rainfed conditions in central anatolia region

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the possibility of integrated assessment of durum wheat genotypes in multi-environmental trials for grain quality and yield. The most important selection parameters for durum wheat grain quality were analysed: kernel weight, test weight, kernel diameter, hardness index, kernel vitreousness, colour L, a, b values, grain protein content, SDS sedimentation, and modified SDS sedimentation. A wide variation was observed for all quality characteristics as well as grain yield. Variations in test weight and grain yield in different environments were significantly higher than those found among cultivars, whereas variations in hardness index, kernel vitreousness, colour L and b values, grain protein content, SDS sedimentation, and modified SDS sedimentation among cultivars were significantly higher than those found between environments. Variations in kernel weight, kernel diameter, and colour a value were similar for cultivars and environments. Heritability values of the traits in the study ranged from 0.28 for grain yield to 0.99 for the SDS sedimentation test. Significant relationships were observed among traits according to both biplot and correlation analyses. The ?kizce location, where the highest mean grain yield and the lowest variation (347 kg/da, 299-412 kg/da, respectively) were obtained, might be considered the most suitable location for wheat production. Nine genotypes out of twenty-four evaluated showed good values for SDS sedimentation, colour value b, and grain yield and could be considered the most promising lines for selection.